(Image source from: PTI)

India's military is getting a big boost in its combat skills and monitoring power with the first delivery of Apache attack helicopters from the United States, scheduled for July 21. Sources in defense and security say these helicopters will be positioned along the Pakistan border. The AH-64E advanced attack helicopters, known as "flying tanks," will land at the Indian Air Force's base in Hindon. This arrival happens over a year after the army started its first Apache unit in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The deployment has been delayed by problems in getting supplies and the quickly changing world political situation. The Indian Air Force already has two units, one in Pathankot and the other in Jorhat.

The Indian Air Force had previously bought 22 Apache helicopters in a deal with the US government and Boeing back in 2015. The last of these 22 Apache helicopters arrived for the IAF in July of 2020. Later in the same year, when US President Donald Trump came to India, New Delhi made a $600 million agreement to buy six more Apache helicopters. Originally, these were expected to arrive in India between May and June of 2024, but the arrival has been delayed. The Indian Army received its initial AH-64 Apache helicopter in 2023 from Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, based in Hyderabad, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Boeing. Apache helicopters have advanced targeting systems that can precisely track targets in any weather conditions. They also have night vision for navigation, which improves the army's attack power. Also, these helicopters have the newest technology for communication, navigation, sensors, and weapons. They are made for attacks as well as for security, scouting, and keeping peace.